MSU Choctaw Preview Day welcomes prospective students

Fourteen Choctaw Central and Neshoba Central high school students got a look at college life April 26 when a 4-H career prep program took them to preview day at Mississippi State University.

The young people met with MSU students who are fellow members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, or MBCI. They also examined one of the ECOCAR club's hybrid vehicles, heard about the admissions process and were given an idea of what the academic experience will be like.

The students were hosted by the MSU Extension Service, who offered the 10week Build Your Future program. The program is part of the strengthened partnership between the Choctaw Tribe and MSU, funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture “New Beginning for Tribal Students” grant with an MSU and MSU Extension Service match.

The Build Your Future program focuses on college and career readiness. A highlight of the program was the

Choctaw Preview Day, which brought the group to campus.

“The program helped me see there are a lot of opportunities available, and college helps make them possible,” said ninth-grader Tehya Ketcher.

Tia Grisham, MBCI Youth Outreach Program director, said the partnership between MSU and the Choctaw Tribe is offering career planning and internships. She said MSU already has a history of welcoming indigenous peoples and offering a place for them to thrive and find community.

“Tribal students have formed great friendships here among fellow student and among faculty,” Grisham said. “I had no hesitation in bringing you here today.”

Ra'sheda Forbes, MSU vice president for access, diversity and inclusion, said the Indigenous Students and Allies Association is a place for students to find community. MSU'S student body currently includes a diverse population from across the state, nation and world, with a small percentage identified as American Indian or Alaskan Native.

“We want to create an